Dear Readers,
I know it’s been quite some time since my last blog post, and I wanted to give you an explanation for my absence. In full transparency, this has been a hard message to post because my world has honestly been turned upside down.
At the beginning of the summer last year, my sweet 18-year old cat, Scooter, had to be put to sleep. Around the same time, my husband developed an awful case of shingles which led us to the emergency room. There, we found out that he had lesions on his lungs. Despite the work of some amazing doctors, my husband lost his battle with lung cancer after three short months. Tragedy continued two weeks later when my brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly in his sleep.
These losses, coming one after another, shattered my world in ways I never imagined. Navigating the aftermath of these losses required every ounce of strength I could muster. There were endless adjustments, emotional turmoil, and moments when the world seemed to stand still.
Slowly, ever so slowly, I am beginning to emerge from my haze of grief. While the pain of loss remains, I am finding moments of clarity and determination to move forward. In my efforts to stay busy this summer as part of my healing process, I have begun creating content that I hope will continue to inspire and help you. I am already working on new blog posts and products that I believe will be valuable to you this year. Your continued support and patience mean everything to me.
Thank you for being a part of my community, and for your understanding. I look forward to reconnecting with you through my upcoming posts and sharing new resources that I hope will enrich your lives.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Sandy
Sandy – Today, for the first time, I came across some of your work on Pinterest. I could feel the love, care and enthusiasm you put into your work. I am a long time public youth services librarian turned elementary school librarian on the look out to make the library the heart of the school.
Pinterest led me to your blog and this post. My heart filled with sorrow reading your news and I send you a big virtual hug. May each day bring you peace, strength and healing.
Please know the work you do ripples out through the world impacting the reading lives of so many students. And will make the library life of us librarians much less stressful! You are a blessing! I pray for you to feel comforted through your creativity.
looking forward to learning from you – Mrs. C in the Library
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jo! It’s a day by day process, but I’m working on moving forward slowly through staying busy. Thanks again for offering your sweet words of encouragement. 🙂
Take Care,
Sandy
Sandy,
Watching from near and far I have been amazed by you and your sister’s devotion to one day at a time and the strength in your relationship. Onward thru the fog sunshine lays ahead.
Thanks Darcie! 🙂
I have followed your blog for a couple of years and I am sorry for your loss. 5 years ago I suddenly lost my husband unexpectedly to a heart attack. Grief comes in different forms and at different times. I tried to keep mine in a nice neat box but that didn’t last long. It would explode with a vengeance. Once I learned how to allow myself to feel it, I learned how to release it. Take care of yourself.
Thanks Tanya. I’m sorry for your loss as well. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement! 🙂
Oh Sandy, I am so terribly sorry. Thank you so much for the work you do. Your site and resources were a sanity-saver for me a few years ago as I made the switch from high school to elementary librarian. I am forever grateful.
Thank you Carrie! I’m so glad I’ve been helpful! 🙂 Have a great year!